Anglers of all ages flocked to Windmont Park Saturday for the Kewanee Park District’s annual Fishing Derby. Over 140 kids participated in the event and by the start time, a line of people waiting to get in had formed in front of the park entrance. The first 100 participants received a free t-shirt.
For the last 25 years, Sharon DeSmit has acted as event director, but several months ago, DeSmit informed the park district of her intention to retire. Stepping into the role was her nephew, Joe DeSmit.
“If it’s all about the kids and fishing, I”m all about it,” said Joe DeSmit.
DeSmit, along with a crew of 25 volunteers dressed in neon-yellow t-shirts, took on the task, and DeSmit, for his part, was thrilled with the turnout.
“I’m absolutely tickled,” he said while standing in front of the prize table at the entrance of the shelter house.
DeSmit assembled the prizes and donations himself, contacting area businesses such as Walmart, FTO, Jo Jo’s Convenient Store, Dairy Queen, Wanee Theater, CSB, Sun Loan, and the State Bank of Toulon, which were just some of the businesses that donated prizes or supplies for the derby.
The event is in part sponsored each year by the Oldeen family, who has supplied the fish for the park district for well over three decades. This year, 3,800 pounds of channel catfish were pumped into the pond, including several albino catfish, which were easy for participants to spot.
DeSmit said his decision to take over the derby responsibility seemed natural.
“I’ve participated for quite a few years,” he said, so when he was asked if he might be interested in heading up the operation, he had no problem with it. “It’s a great idea for the kids.”
On Monday, Andrew Dwyer, executive director of the park district, said he was also amazed at the response to the derby, which was cancelled last year because of COVID-19. Next year, Dwyer said, changes could be made next year to expedite prizes and registration, but he was pleased with how the event turned out, and the number of give-a-ways DeSmit was able to secure for the community.
“It was a beautiful day. The sponsors overwhelmingly went above and beyond,” said Dwyer.
More information about prize winners and derby photos can be found on the park district Facebook page.
The Link LonkJune 07, 2021 at 09:58PM
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KPD's Oldeen Fish Derby far from flop - Kewanee Star Courier
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